Martin had asked his players before the game to win it for his late Grandad, who passed away last year but would have celebrating his birthday yesterday, and they duly delivered.

Speaking after the match Martin said: “I think it is all heart from my boys. It is my Grandad’s birthday today, I lost him last year and I asked the boys to go and play one for me today and I am well chuffed.

“I’m just over the moon as it was for my Grandad and that is my biggest joy.”

Romford’s manager agreed that Thurrock enjoyed most of the possession, but felt his game plan worked.

His back four were excellent throughout and Scott Truman was picked out for praise.

Martin added: “Thurrock have had 80 per cent of the game and we’ve nicked it 2-1, I say we nicked it but we still worked hard and played well.

“Thurrock didn’t allow us to play the football we have been playing and we’ve probably had four shots and scored two goals, but that has been enough to win us the game so all credit to the boys for working hard again for me.

“We had a game plan and it has paid off. We knew we couldn’t play the football because they are a very fit side.

“And you have got to praise Scott Truman as well. He hasn’t played football for two years and he has had a fantastic season.

“He can’t play two games on the spin because his legs won’t make it but from him to James Ishmail, David Ottley, Jamie Dicks they have given me 100 per cent and whoever I put in there does so I can’t knock their efforts.”

Ryan Imbert’s double earned Romford all three points and ensured he came back to haunt his old club.

Martin admitted he just had a feeling Imbert would have a good game, adding: “I don’t really like playing players that are playing against their old team but I just thought Ryan had that bit between his teeth.

“Ryan gets a lot of banter on the coach journeys about his technique in front of goal when he gets too much time on the ball but he has rounded the keeper superbly for the first and he is in the right area to stick away the second.”

The 2-1 success made it eight league wins in a row but will Romford’s remarkable run ever end? Martin said: “I hope not but we have just got to keep enjoying it until it does.”

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